Balancing Work With Purpose

by Jul 9, 2018

In the professional world, most people feel at one point or another that their work-life balance isn’t it’s best, or maybe is even non-existent. Emails, phone calls, crises, projects, and other work-related subjects can feel like too much for anyone, from entry level employees all the way up to the CEO.
So if everyone at all levels experiences this, what’s the real problem? This phenomenon must be explainable since it happens to us all across the board of seniority and experience.
In her article here, Carol Tuttle suggests that there are reasons beyond our duties that play into a work-life imbalance.
“But whatever imbalance you see in your outer world is actually happening on a deeper level. In other words, if the outer events of your life feel overwhelming, that’s a sign that you’re living out of balance on the inside. Fix that and the rest will follow.”
Tuttle even has a process to help fix the inner imbalance all of us can experience. She recommends taking a deep breath and remembering three big reasons why we’re all here, and how we find meaning in life:
  • Lessons to learn
  • Experiences to have
  • Service to give
What she’s suggesting is that it all boils down to these three things in life. Since we spend so much of our lives at work, why shouldn’t these things become involved in our jobs? She recommends that finding ways to integrate these three points into work will make us feel more fulfilled, less overwhelmed, and more balanced with our lives both in and outside of work. 
 
Consider what lessons you have to learn from your job. How can you become both better at your role, and better in who you are through your experiences at work?
 
Think about the experiences you’ve already had, and the ones you want to have. This could mean building up a skill, fostering relationships, or obtaining a certification. You can enrich your life experience through work in these ways, as well as many more.
 
Finally, truly consider what services you bring to this world and how you can integrate those into your life at work. This could be participating in or even organizing a fundraiser within your workplace. It could even be something smaller, like realizing that your knack for empathy can be used to help others in your office. Maybe you’re a great organizer, so you can use that to help the workflow in your office. Your service doesn’t have to be over the top: it can be as simple as using a strength of yours to help someone else at work.
Image retrieved from Pexels under the public domain

Recent Posts

Quote of Day: Les Brown

Quote of Day: Les Brown

When you face your fear, most of the time you will discover that it was not really such a big threat after all. We all need some form of deeply rooted, powerful motivation -- it empowers us to overcome obstacles so we can live our dreams. -Les Brown Oftentimes when we...

What makes us likable?

What makes us likable?

The idea of "likability" can be subjective depending on who you ask. A lot of the things that immediately come to mind are traits that are inherently present in an individual; things that are "just there" such as extroversion or even physical attractiveness. However,...

Quote of the Day: Dale Carnegie

Quote of the Day: Dale Carnegie

It isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it. -Dale Carnegie The way we frame a situation, circumstance, etc. in our own mind greatly influences our feelings towards it. For...

Quote of the Day: Al Bernstein

Quote of the Day: Al Bernstein

Success is often the result of taking a misstep in the right direction. -Al Bernstein Oftentimes success is something that we happen upon without necessarily looking for it. Many people will tell you that the career they've found themselves in is never one they...

Negative Performance Review: What do I do?

Negative Performance Review: What do I do?

So your performance review with your supervisor didn't exactly go as you would have hoped. This is a feeling no one wants, and often no one expects. Receiving negative feedback rarely gives anyone a good feeling, but it isn't the end of the world. So now that you've...

Quote of the Day: Lucille Ball

Quote of the Day: Lucille Ball

One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself. -Lucille Ball Even when you experience obstacles or failures, it's important to remain optimistic....

When You Mess Up

When You Mess Up

Most people would agree that screwing up at work is never a good feeling. The pit in the bottom of your stomach is a feeling all professionals know well, but prefer to avoid. So what should you do if you mess something up? How should you handle it gracefully and...

Quote of the Day: Henry Ward Beecher

Quote of the Day: Henry Ward Beecher

We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point of where they started. Henry Ward Beecher Having talent or a knack for something is one thing, but learning, improving, and growing to master a skill takes...

Quote of the Day: Stephen Hawking

Quote of the Day: Stephen Hawking

Quiet people have the loudest minds. -Stephen Hawking Just because you may be quiet, it doesn't mean that you don't have much to say. Oftentimes the quietest people have the most thoughtful things to say and some of the best contributions. Image retrieved from Pixabay...

What Introverts Bring to the Table

What Introverts Bring to the Table

Earlier this week, we talked about challenges introverts can face in the workplace; but introverts bring a lot to the table! Just as extroverts contribute new ideas and positive energy, introverts do the same. They get a bad rep as unsocial and highly sensitive, but...

Quote of the Day: Bobbe Sommer

Quote of the Day: Bobbe Sommer

Having a low opinion of yourself is not 'modesty.' It's self-destruction. Holding your uniqueness in high regard is not 'egotism.' It's a necessary precondition to happiness and success. -Bobbe Sommer Recognizing our successes and strengths is equally important to...

Taking the Lead as an Introvert

Taking the Lead as an Introvert

Being an introvert in the workplace can have it's share of challenges. Introverts gain their energy from alone time and peace; work is usually the antithesis of this. While it's a common misconception that introverts are unsocial and dislike being around people...

Quote of the Day: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Quote of the Day: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Your mind is your home and no one else's. Furnish it as you wish. Set the temp so you're comfortable. -Lin-Manuel Miranda Think of your mind as your sanctuary; a place to retreat into after a long day of problem solving and critical thinking. Just like it's important...

Leadership Principles: Advice From a Top Coach

Leadership Principles: Advice From a Top Coach

A lot of similarities can be drawn between sports and career success. Both involve competition, practice, and most importantly leadership. Similar to a game of golf, building your career requires skill and patience. Dan Pickett sees the link between sports and career...